The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced the initiation of an investigation into DR Congo’s use of ineligible players during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, a development that could reopen Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
DR Congo eliminated Nigeria from the African play-offs in November, securing a 4–3 penalty shoot-out victory in Morocco, which ended the Super Eagles’ hopes of advancing to the FIFA intercontinental play-off.
Since then, the Congolese side has received a bye into the final of the intercontinental play-off tournament, where they are set to face the winner of the semi-final between New Caledonia and Jamaica.
However, their participation at this stage is now in question due to concerns raised by the NFF regarding the eligibility of several DR Congo players who competed during the African play-offs.
Reports indicate that between six and nine DR Congo players, who switched their national allegiance, may not have fully met
